Linda Baulch, 29

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The most frightening moment for Leading Seaman Linda Baulch on HMAS Sydney during the war against terrorism was a midnight alarm calling all hands on deck.

Many things ran through her mind. It could be terrorists boarding her ship, enemy missiles or floating mines, all serious for a medical emergency officer. "It was really nerve-racking, surreal in fact. Nobody below decks knew what was happening."

Scrambling to action stations, she "dealt with the emergency" - details of which she would not reveal on orders of her captain.

On edge constantly, launching boats for boarding parties and practising manoeuvres around the clock "that action in the dead of night was the last thing I needed", she said.

Nothing seems to dampen the courage of this sailor who planned her career growing up at Lara, near Geelong.

"I wanted to do something special with my life, not be a secretary or salesperson. I know it's more risky but I want to serve Australia," she said.

Even a fear of water, which she discovered at sea, does not put her off. Despite not being able "to look at vast oceans surrounding the ship when we're out there", she said she hoped to return to the Gulf soon.

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In her career in the navy she has supported InterFET in East Timor on HMAS Adelaide, helped peacekeepers in Solomon Islands on HMAS Sydney, dodging "gunfire on the streets" and served on guard during the Olympics - "a very tense period which makes our Gulf action a piece of cake".

Stationed at HMAS Kuttabul, in Sydney, her next tour of duty could be anywhere, "but when you are in the navy you go where you're sent".